Light installation at the Reichstag: Homage to Christo and Jeanne-Claude!

Light installation at the Reichstag: Homage to Christo and Jeanne-Claude!

A spectacular light projection will be shown on the Reichstag building in Berlin from June 9th to 20th, 2025, honoring the legendary work of art “Wrapped Reichstag” by Christo and Jeanne-Claude. The projection installation pays homage to the famous unveiling that took place from June 24 to July 7, 1995 and attracted over five million visitors. The light spectacle, which will be visible every day for twelve nights, is organized by Schwenkow & Specker GmbH, a company led by cultural manager Peter Schwenkow and entrepreneur Roland Specker. The occasion for this impressive production celebrates the themes of art, democracy and the reunification of Berlin.

The light projection lasts about ten minutes and will cover the western facade of the Reichstag in a silvery robe. The illumination is realized using 24 powerful projectors provided by Hans Böhlke Elektrotechnik. This slowly creates flashing lines that gradually give an idea of ​​the original work of art. This innovative presentation reinterprets the historical event and thus captivates the audience.

Review of the wrapping of the Reichstag

The wrapping of the Reichstag by Christo and Jeanne-Claude was more than just a work of art; it was considered one of the first summer fairy tales of reunified Germany. The idea for the wrapping came about in 1971 and the approval of the project was a long process that was ultimately only possible thanks to the election of Rita Süssmuth as President of the Bundestag and the fall of the Wall in 1989. In February 1994, the Bundestag voted 292 to 223 to implement the plan. The artist couple financed the entire project through the sale of their artwork and required around 100,000 square meters of polypropylene fabric and 15.6 kilometers of rope.

Christo, who died in 2020, and Jeanne-Claude, who died in 2009, were internationally known for their impressive wraps and installations. Their work with the Reichstag symbolized the connection between East and West and was perceived as an important cultural exchange after reunification. The Reichstag itself has an eventful history and was, among other things, the scene of the proclamation of the Republic in 1918 and of instrumental use by the Nazis during the Reichstag fire in 1933.

A special souvenir

The inauguration of this light projection couldn't be more appropriate, as June 13th would have been Christo and Jeanne-Claude's 90th birthday. For the organizers and visitors, this is an opportunity to remember the legacy of this extraordinary artist couple and to reflect on the power of art in a historical context. The total cost of the current project is about half a million euros and it is emphasized that no tax money was used as everything is privately financed.

Republic Square also invites you to have night-time picnics during the event, creating an inviting atmosphere for visitors. Art continues to thrive in Berlin, providing profound connections between past and present as the city remembers its history while looking toward a creative future.